So, you’re thinking of saying “I do” in Turkey. Good choice! Between the fairy-tale landscapes and the stunning mix of history and modernity, it’s hard to imagine a more magical setting. But let’s get to the question that’s probably swirling in your mind: How much will it cost? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, real couples who’ve tied the knot in Turkey have shared their experiences, giving us a peek into what it takes to plan a dream wedding without completely emptying your bank account.

Cost of Travel to Turkey for Your Wedding

For hosting a destination wedding in Turkey, you will need to understand the travel costs associated with you and your guests. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Flights from India to Turkey

If you’re flying from major Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, or Bangalore, direct flights to Istanbul are available with a minimum flying time is 7.5 hours. Round-trip airfare typically starts at INR 50K per person.

If you are planning in cities like Antalya or Bodrum, you will need to book connecting flights too. Round-trip tickets for these destinations cost around INR 70,000 per person. If you have a small guest list, booking a chartered flight might be more cost-effective.

Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens can apply for a single-entry tourist visa either directly through the Turkish embassy or online. Processing times vary between 3 to 25 working days, and the visa fee is INR 4,270. The visa is valid for 3 months, giving you and your guests plenty of time to explore Turkey before or after the wedding.

Currency 

In Turkey, most services for your wedding are charged in Euros. It is important to factor this into your overall budget since exchange rates fluctuate.

Airport Transfers

Once you and your guests land in Turkey, your wedding planner in Turkey can arrange airport transfers through a local travel company. For a round-trip airport transfer by shuttle or tourist bus, the cost is typically around 50€ per person. 

Other Costs of Planning a Wedding in Turkey

Venue

Renting a decently luxurious venue starts from €7,500 with €10,000 being more than enough in Turkey, depending on the location, size, and level of luxury. There are locations as costly as 85,000 as well, like the Ciragan Palace and Kucuksu Palace, which are extremely expensive but comes with views that you will find nowhere else. Beach resorts and historical venues typically fall on the higher end of the price spectrum, offering stunning backdrops but at a premium.

Accommodation

For destination weddings, accommodation attracts a significant budget. Depending on your guests’ preferences, nightly rates can vary between €65 for budget options to several hundred euros for luxury resorts.

Catering

Food and beverage expenses depend on the menu, guest count, and service level. On average, couples spend around €75 to €190 per person for a wedding reception, depending on whether it’s a traditional Turkish meal or a more elaborate international menu. 

It is better to go with local flavors and chefs which will be definitely cheaper than planning an elaborate Indian menu in Turkey. You would not only have to fly in your Indian chefs to maintain taste and quality, you would also have to rent out hotel kitchens that may come out to be costly.

Decorations

The cost of decorations varies by theme, venue size, and design complexity. Couples should plan to budget between €950 and €9,500 for décor, depending on the level of detail and personalization involved.

Photography and Videography

Capturing your special moments is a must. Professional photography and videography packages in Turkey range from €1,400 to €4,700 or more, based on the services and coverage included.

Tips to Save Without Sacrificing Style

1. Opt for local vendors: Couples who use local vendors often save a ton on things like flowers, décor, and even entertainment. Plus, you get that authentic Turkish touch that makes your wedding feel more connected to the culture.
2. Flexible dates: Consider a weekday wedding or an off-peak season. Turkish summers are hot and busy, but spring and autumn offer pleasant weather without the high-season prices.
3. Simplify the extras: Instead of spending big on things like luxury wedding favors or extravagant entertainment, focus on creating memorable moments. Guests are more likely to remember your vows or the amazing food than a pricey DJ set.
4. Fly them in: If you are looking for specific desi Indian artists in terms of DJ, makeup, mehendi, etc. you could even fly them in with you to save some costs. 
5. Choose an intimate celebration: A smaller guest list means reduced costs, allowing you to invest more in the venue, décor, or entertainment.
6. Opt for a weekday or Sunday wedding: Hosting your wedding on a less popular day rather than Saturdays, which are the most costlier.
7. Explore non-traditional venues: Instead of high-end wedding venues, consider locations like public parks, botanical gardens, or private villas. These alternatives often come with lower rental fees and offer greater flexibility for customization.
8. DIY elements: Use your wedding planner’s creative teams to DIY wedding invitations, centerpieces, or favors, rather than spending on these in Turkey.
9. Choose an experienced wedding planner: Do not make the mistake of planning everything without a wedding planner in Turkey. Choose an planner with experience in navigating Turkey’s market and contacts with Turkey’s vendors to negotiate better. You can enjoy huge savings this way than you can imagine.

Conclusion

Weddings in Turkey can range from affordable to extravagant, but the good news is, there’s a way to make it work no matter your budget. With the right planning, careful vendor choices, and maybe even a savvy wedding planner in your corner, you can have your dream wedding in Istanbul without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration in Istanbul or an intimate beachside ceremony in Bodrum, Turkey has a way of making every wedding feel like a masterpiece. 

Contact us today to start planning your destination wedding in Turkey!